Large breeds have a hefty appetite. Like several scoops a day and sent to your home on a monthly basis from your favorite pet store because it eats so much.

Understanding your dog’s nutritional needs can be challenging, which is why we turn to the experts at Chewy for guidance on the best dog food. Dr. Jessica Hockaday, a veterinarian with extensive experience in the field, emphasizes the importance of tailoring your dog’s diet to their lifestyle, activity level, size, and life stage.

She is a lover of animals and has insightful information to help us navigate questions surrounding grain-free and protein-heavy diets.

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“Protein is extremely important for all dogs, large and small, the majority of a dog’s body is composed of proteins, some that the body can’t make itself,” said Hockaday. “A balanced protein in their diet is needed at every life stage.”

Whereas, she cautioned us to be wary of grain-free diets until further research can back it up.

“Recently, the FDA announced they were investigating grain-free diets due to reports of dogs consuming a ‘grain-free’ diet possibly being linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The original study had flaws in the data and is under further investigation to reach a consensus,” Hockaday told The Post.

It’s easy to jump on trends, especially when you’re being served a cute Instagram ad that swears this diet changed the dog’s life. We want backed scientific research that can lay out all the facts.

With Hockaday’s expertise, it’s clear that making informed decisions about your dog’s nutrition is crucial online or in person. While you’re at it, spoil your pup with dog beds or toys with top clearance deals at Chewy.

Whether considering grain-free or protein-heavy diets, consulting with your vet ensures that your furry friend’s dietary needs are met safely and effectively. Below, Hockaday answers questions and advises us in our FAQ section.

Hockaday recommends protein sources that remain whole and “unaltered,” such as chicken meal, which is code for entire chicken or “whole grains,” etc. “Most animal proteins provide the range of amino acids that a large breed dog needs to thrive.”

Rich in omega-6 and -3 fatty acids, this 13.5-pound bag of kibble provides essential nutrients to promote a healthy coat and skin.

If you need everything packed into one, Purina One might be for you. It promotes a strong immune system, gives energy, and provides a radiant coat, all at an excellent value. The 16-pound bag supports healthy joints and has research-based results.

If you’re wondering if your dog qualifies as a “large breed,” Hockaday gave us a helpful metric, “a dog that is over 24 inches in height and at least 55 pounds” qualifies as a “full-grown adult.” She added, “The biggest difference with large dog and small dog nutritional needs is the slower metabolic rates with large breed dogs.”

Purina One also provides adult high-protein options along with chicken & rice or lamb & rice alternatives.

This 15-pound bag of kibble contains high-quality protein, ideal for growing pups. It includes a blend of prebiotic fibers to promote gut health and plenty of DHA fish oil to support brain development.

When it’s time to graduate to adult dog food, Hockaday suggests using the same protein source during the transition as long as it is well received (good growth, no upset stomach, and enjoyment). So choose wisely and if in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

Joint health is crucial for your dear aged pup. “In general, [senior dogs] will have lower energy requirements, lower dietary phosphorus needs, we want to restrict dietary sodium, quality protein source (lower if kidney disease is an issue) and increase in fiber,” said Hockaday.

This 15-pound bag has prebiotics and probiotics to strengthen its immune and healthy digestive system and focuses on mineral complexes to regulate the metabolism. Hockaday said that “the prebiotic effects of grains in both diets are very beneficial to maintain healthy gut flora in large breed dogs.”

This 16-pound bag, which comes in three sizes, is packed with probiotics and is filled with rich protein, salmon, and rice.

“Alternative protein sources for some dogs can be plant-based beans, corn, whole grains, but very dog dependent and occasionally palatability can be an issue. Nutritionists often recommend diets with both animal and plant protein sources to maximize overall protein quality,” said Hockaday.

It’s a best-seller at Chewey for a reason: it’s created for sensitive stomachs that can’t process corn, wheat, or soy, yet it’s still high in protein.

“A good quality plant-based protein is superior to a poor-quality animal protein,” said Hockaday. She emphasized the need for finding “whole grains” (as opposed to processed grains) to “ensure the quality of the protein as well as the availability of the protein when consumed by your dog.”

This 16.5-pound dog comes in three sizes and two alternative flavors, chicken and salmon, if you want to avoid committing to a vegetarian diet.

“Food allergies in dogs are most commonly found to be from chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs. These ingredients can be found in most pet foods over the last few decades,” Hockaday explained.

However, she added that many pet parents mistakenly attribute their dog’s itchiness to food allergies, when in fact, the most common allergies for large breed dogs are often fleas and environmental factors such as dust mites, grasses, and seasonal pollen.

According to Hockaday, roughly 20-60% of dogs in America are obese. “For large breed dogs, a healthy weight and avoiding obesity in all life stages needs to be one of the most important goals to keep your dog healthy,” she said.

Although plenty of exercise and portion control contribute to an ideal weight, food can help.

The brand, Diamond, noted that this formula contains 15 percent fewer calories than the original Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Lamb Meal & Rice formula. It’ll help give your dog a boost in the right direction. Of course, if you can’t seem to say no to your pup, consider buying healthier low-calorie treats.

Hockaday shared her wealth of knowledge with us with several years of experience in the field. She has broken down the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

Large breed dogs have slower metabolic rates, requiring fewer calories per pound of body weight than smaller breeds. The recommended caloric intake for large-breed dogs is around 22.5 calories per pound, whereas small dogs may need around 40 calories per pound.

Protein is essential for large-breed dogs at every life stage. Animal-based proteins like beef, poultry, fish, lamb, and eggs are often recommended due to their complete amino acid profile. When choosing dog food, look for whole protein sources like chicken meal or whole grains to ensure quality.

While grain-inclusive diets have gained popularity amid concerns over grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), the issue is still under investigation. Consult your vet to determine the best option for your dog’s specific needs. Both grain-free and grain-inclusive diets can be suitable if balanced appropriately.

Large breed dogs require specific nutrition tailored to their life stage. Puppy food should meet large breed standards with proper fat and calcium ratios. Adult formulas provide lower calorie density to prevent overindulgence. Senior diets focus on maintaining optimal body condition with adjusted energy and nutrient levels.

Common signs of food allergies in dogs include itching, scratching, ear or skin infections, and digestive issues. Work with your vet to identify potential allergens through an elimination diet. Adjustments may involve switching protein sources, using sensitive diets, or prescription foods based on your dog’s needs.

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